THE WALL OF FACES

Landing Zone Oasis (also known as LZ Oasis) was a U.S. Army base southwest of Pleiku in Pleiku Province, RVN. The base was first established in 1965 by the 1st Cavalry Division for the Battle of Ia Drang, just south of Highway QL-19. At approximately 2:00 AM on May 11, 1969, Oasis began to receive a mix of 60mm and 82mm mortar, B-40 rocket, and 122mm and 140mm rocket fire as the base was besieged by an estimated North Vietnamese Army battalion working with a sapper company. Ground probes were made on three sides of the perimeter as the bunker lines returned fire, lacing red tracers into the night. On the western side of the perimeter, sapper squads were cut down as they ran across the airstrip. Near Bunker 22, the enemy successfully penetrated but was driven back in bitter, close-quarters fighting. Throughout the night Oasis received help from nearby artillery batteries and Air Force gunships. Contact ceased around 5:00 AM, and first light revealed forty-five dead NVA on the perimeter. Eleven Americans died and twenty-five were wounded defending Oasis. They lost troopers included SP5 Edward A. Barlow, SFC Mills Beale III, SP4 Malcom F. Bell, SSG Thomas E. Bumgarner, SP4 Gerald D. Jerde, SGT George H. Jules, PFC Terry A. McCarthy, PFC John R. McLaughlin, PFC Michael A. Schroeder, SP5 William S. Slaughter, and SP5 Larry L. Weeden. Three others were captured by the enemy and were repatriated March 27, 1973. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Oasis Defenders Kill 45 NVA.” Ivy Leaf (4th Infantry “Ivy” Division newspaper), June 1, 1969]

DEAR SPEC 5 BARLOW,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER OPERATOR. WATCH OVER OUR NATION. VETERANS' DAY JUST PASSED - SO IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER AND HONOR ALL OF YOU. THANKSGIVING IS APPROACHING. WE GIVE THANKS FOR YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS GUIDE YOU. REST IN PEACE.

Dear SP5 Edward Arnold Barlow, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

I was with Ed at AIT, in Biloxi Ms, A great guy left this earth on that Day! I was delayed getting there until May 69, by the time I found out where he was stationed (planned a visit) it was too late! I did meet up with Brother Chandler who was with that night on guard duty, and he shared the story of Ed's heroics during the attack! Miss and Love Man!! Sam Anselm

As classmates at BCHS, we all recall your humor, smile and zest for life; and, your supreme sacrifice has not been forgotten, nor you ole friend.